Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (BWV 226)

An outlier of a piece in an outlier of a category -- Bach didn't write very many motets compared to his other types of works, and this is the only one which is fully scored for choirs throughout AND had specific instrument parts written which all double the choral parts.  It's also a double choir, which adds to the uniqueness -- 8 separate choral parts, each with an instrument doubling.  Alex's favorite moment involves a jumpy syncopation, which is set up by one of Bach's favorite motifs, the "sighing" motif.  This little dessert of a piece is so sweet and light and fun, it might surprise you to hear that it was written for a funeral!

Performance of this motet by the Netherlands Bach Society, conducted by Stephan MacLeod